Straps

The strap is often seen just as an extra to a watch. Not in our eyes. We are of the opinion that the design and quality manufacture of a strap is as important as the watch itself and with strap change becoming as easy as it now is, anyone can team colours and fabrics to complement any selection of clothing.

The strap is often seen just as an extra to a watch. Not in our eyes. We are of the opinion that the design and quality manufacture of a strap is as important as the watch itself and with strap change becoming as easy as it now is, anyone can team colours and fabrics to complement any selection of clothing.

Introducing The New Fortis Classic Cosmonaut

At last. One of the most talked about watches at this year’s Baselworld Watch Fair, the new Fortis Classic Cosmonauts Chronograph, has arrived!

Now whilst this is an entirely new watch, it may at first glance appear hauntingly familiar. It is a direct descendent of the Original Cosmonauts Chronograph, which underwent testing at Star City in 1994. The very same piece which, attached to the wrist of its owner, Cosmonaut Vladimir Dezkhurov, performed its first space walk on MIR 181/STS Atlanta on 5th June 1995.

Today, while you're reading this very blog, there are two Fortis Chronographs orbiting the Earth aboard the ISS Fortis, which have been part of the Russian Space Program for 20 years. This accompanying photo is of Cosmonaut Mikhael Korniyenko (left) wearing his Fortis Cosmonaut during an extended ISS stay between 2015 and 2016.

Thrilling facts, such as these, caused us to anticipate the new Fortis Cosmonaut design all the more eagerly. Having made a very welcome return, it has become apparent that it has some intriguing new twists.

Reinterpreted, with a contemporary new 42mm case, this timepiece is very much a product of the latest Swiss design and construction techniques. Powered by the legendary Valjoux 7750 movement, which ensures superb reliability and performance, it enjoys a 42 hour power reserve. Fortis have tested the 7750 movement in a Maxus 7 Single Stage Rocket which reaches an acceleration of 13G at maximum speed of 3500m/sec. It is nothing if not up to task in the most extreme of conditions.

Take a closer look at its elegant new stainless steel case. The display back offers an intriguing glimpse of the Swiss movement, and the Fortis 4 blue star rotor encompassed by the legend “The Worlds’ Manufacturer of Automatic Wristwatches”. There are screw down pushers and the Fortis new classic crown.

Details matter in fine watchmaking. The sapphire crystal, slightly domed with anti-reflective coating on both sides, is one such example. The dial's intricacies could warrant a blog post of their own. Available with silver finish or charcoal, every detail is exemplary, from the subtle sunray effect to the patterned sub dials. Chronograph functions are highlighted in red, true cosmonaut style!

You can chose between exotic straps and quality leather, or else take your pick from a considerable range of bracelets in order to make the watch your own. The Fortis' crown buckle is elegantly slim with micro adjustment and a diver’s extension. This is a bracelet guaranteed to give a comfortable fit.

By now you will have, quite rightly, gained the impression that we admire everything that Fortis have done here. You're correct to assume so. I have the new watch on my wrist right now! Page and Cooper are proud to be Fortis’ UK After Sales Centre. We know the company, and their watches, inside out. At this very moment, for example, our service team have the thrill of restoring a British army Fortis circa 1959.

The Classic Cosmonaut now joins its venerable brother the B-42 Cosmonaut Chronograph, which remains in production. There would, indeed, be many complaints from Star City if this trusted space companion were to be retired.

The release of the new Fortis Cosmonauts Chronograph has left us in an especially generous mood here at Page and Cooper. So for a limited period we are offering an additional Fortis cowhide leather strap or rubber strap of your choice, priced between £75 and £140, with any Fortis watch purchased from us.

We know a good thing when we see one and, this new Classic Cosmonaut is, truly, ‘out of this world’. Do watch our review below to reach your own conclusion, but we're certain that you'll admire the watch as much as we do.